Theresa McGrath (L) and Navpreet Heer
Humber River Health (Humber) is proud to offer comprehensive breast health care that distinguishes itself through innovation, expertise, and community-focused care. From surveillance and diagnostics to treatment and breast reconstruction, Humber is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality care that is available closer to home for a community that displays a higher prevalence of disease compared to surrounding areas.
Since its establishment in 2015, Humber's Breast Health Centre has served as a cornerstone of excellence in breast cancer care. Designed as a dedicated clinic within Medical Imaging, the Centre offers a seamless, comprehensive experience for patients - delivered in a timely way, combining modern technology with compassionate, personalized care.
The Centre boasts state-of-the-art equipment, skilled radiologists and imaging technologists, surgeons, and two dedicated navigators: Theresa McGrath, the Breast Health Navigator, and Navpreet Heer, the Oncology Breast Navigator. These navigators play a vital role in guiding patients through their care journeys.
Theresa supports patients during the screening and diagnostic phases, helping them navigate services like mammography, ultrasound, MRI, interventional procedures, and surgical consultations. "At Humber, we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless journey for patients during the screening and diagnostic process," says Theresa. "We guide them through advanced imaging services, help coordinate follow-ups, and address any barriers, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way."
Navpreet takes over once a positive cancer diagnosis is made, providing essential support and coordination for patients as they begin treatment. "We are focused on creating a supportive and accessible environment for everyone who walks through our doors," says Navpreet. “We try our best to reduce the burden of navigating a complex healthcare system, while also fostering a sense of comfort and trust for our patients during what can often be a daunting time in their lives."
Expanding Access
This past October, the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) lowered the age for self-referral from 50 to 40. This historic change allows an additional one million people in Ontario to access life-saving mammography services without requiring a physician's requisition. By expanding the eligibility criteria, more people can benefit from early detection, a critical factor in improving breast cancer survival rates.
Another recent OBSP expansion includes non-binary, two-spirit and transgender individuals – an important step in acknowledging breast health within these populations.
This expansion not only increases access but also supports in empowering individuals to take proactive steps in their health journey. At Humber, this recent change has already produced an increase in the number of people accessing screening services. Since October, the Breast Health Centre has seen a 20 per cent increase in volumes of mammograms.
“The OBSP's expanded access ensures that more people in our community can detect breast cancer earlier," says Theresa. “Early detection is crucial in improving outcomes, and Humber is committed to offering cutting-edge technologies to support this."
One of these technologies is a Tomosynthesis 3D Mammogram of the breasts, an innovative imaging tool that provides a more detailed and layered view of breast tissue compared to traditional mammograms. This technology is particularly beneficial for individuals with dense breast tissue, where small lesions or early signs of cancer may be harder to detect. This capability not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also reduces false positives, minimizing unnecessary stress for patients.
To add to the breath of services, Humber is High-Risk OBSP site, where individuals aged 30 to 69 with an elevated risk of breast cancer receive specialized annual screenings, including annual mammography and MRI. The High-Risk OBSP program ensures that eligible individuals with elevated risk receive the best possible surveillance and care to detect and manage breast cancer early.
Empowerment through Education and Early Detection
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Humber hosted Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day to educate patients, primary care providers, and the community about options following a mastectomy. The event featured presentations from healthcare professionals, breast cancer survivors, and Humber physicians, offering valuable insights into the emotional and physical aspects of breast reconstruction. Participants had the opportunity to learn about referral pathways, surgical options, and post-operative care, as well as connect with a supportive community of care.
In addition, the Breast Health Centre successfully hosted its annual Mammothon, a large-scale campaign dedicated to encouraging overdue or first-time breast screenings. “This event highlights the importance of early detection, provides accessible screening opportunities for the community, and removes common emotional barriers such as fear or embarrassment," says Theresa.
Patient support at Humber goes beyond diagnosis and treatment. A breast cancer support handout, developed by Navpreet, helps patients navigate the complex journey following a breast cancer diagnosis. The handout addresses a wide range of topics, including transportation, financial aid, managing treatment side effects, and fertility options. It also includes practical advice on accessing wigs and other supportive resources. Recognizing that the amount of information provided at diagnosis can be overwhelming, patients are able to refer back to this tool as they move through different stages of their care. "This handout has been well received by patients, offering clarity and support when they need it most," says Navpreet.
Since 2017, community outreach has been central to the Breast Health Centre's mission. Through onsite education days, attendees receive educational materials in their preferred languages and can access same-day screening mammograms. Externally, the Centre collaborates with partners like Black Creek Community Health Centre, COSTI group for new immigrants, and the North Western Toronto Ontario Health Team to expand its reach. This year alone, the Centre participated in 10 community events, promoting health awareness and access. Internally, the team's focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) earned them the inaugural EDI Excellence Award, highlighting their commitment to serving the community.
Looking Ahead
Humber River Health is committed to advancing breast health through innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered care. From the implementation of state-of-the-art imaging technologies to hosting impactful events like Mammothon and BRA Day, Humber is dedicated to improving outcomes, empowering their community, and encouraging ongoing collaboration among healthcare professionals.
The Breast Health Centre exemplifies Humber's mission of delivering safe, innovative and equitable care, while fostering a culture of compassion and professionalism. Through initiatives like the OBSP expansion and the High-Risk Screening program, Humber continues to lead in the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that every patient has the support and resources they need for their journey.